How Can I tell if my lash extensions are bad?
Bad lash extensions can be a nightmare for the client, as well as the lash technician. At The Lash Lair, we take great pride in educating our lash extension clients on proper application techniques to ensure the health and integrity of their natural lashes. We understand that lash extensions can enhance your beauty when done correctly, but improper application can lead to damage and potential long-term consequences. Our highly trained lash technicians are dedicated to providing comprehensive information and guidance to our clients, emphasizing the importance of correct lash placement, suitable lash lengths and thicknesses, and appropriate adhesive usage. We believe that educating our clients on these essential aspects not only helps them make informed decisions but also empowers them to actively participate in their lash extension experience. By prioritizing proper techniques and avoiding shortcuts, we are able to maintain the natural health and beauty of our clients' lashes.
First you need to know…
The growth cycle of your lashes typically spans about 6-8 weeks and consists of three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is commonly known as the growth phase, during which your lashes are actively growing and sometimes referred to as "baby lashes." Detaching a lash from the follicle during this phase can cause damage to the follicle itself. Repeated detachment has the potential to ruin lash growth and permanently harm the follicle. In the early stages of the anagen phase, the lashes are too delicate to have extensions applied. Following the growth phase is the catagen phase, also called the transition phase. During this time, the follicle shrinks, leading to the detachment of the lash, which ceases active growth. Once the lash is fully separated from the follicle and enters the telogen phase, known as the resting phase, it remains stagnant. As this phase marks the end of the growth cycle, a new lash will begin to grow in its place, eventually pushing out the telogen lash. This is why your lashes naturally shed!
Your lashes look or feel uncomfortable.
Redness, irritation, itching, swelling, burning, pulling, pinching, poking, or sore areas…. NONE of this is normal!!!
Discomfort should NEVER be experienced during or after your lash appointment. If you encounter any of these symptoms during your lash appointment, there could be various reasons behind them. It's possible that the eye pads may be sliding into your eye, resulting in redness and irritation. Itching or swelling could indicate an allergic reaction to a product used during the application process. Excessive glue usage may lead to a burning sensation. Pulling, pinching, poking, or soreness might be the result of incorrect lash extension placement. Every lash appointment should be painless and relaxing. You definitely should not be feeling discomfort for extended periods of time in between your lash appointments.
You cant brush through your lash extensions smoothly.
It should be effortless to brush your lashes without experiencing any tugging or resistance. Each lash extension should be applied to an individual natural lash to maintain the overall health of your lashes. If you encounter discomfort while brushing, it is likely attributed to inadequate isolation and excessive use of glue. Proper isolation ensures that the extensions are precisely attached to each natural lash, promoting a seamless and comfortable brushing experience. Excessive glue usage can result in clumping or sticking together of lashes, leading to discomfort and difficulty in brushing. Isolation and appropriate glue application are crucial for achieving both a natural appearance and optimal lash comfort.
You can see glue.
The adhesive used for lash extensions has a thin consistency and requires only a minimal amount for application. The attachment point between the lash extension and your natural lash should be smooth and seamless. Excessive glue usage can result in the lashes becoming stuck together, compromising their natural appearance and causing discomfort.
Your Lash technician only takes an hour to complete a full set and even less time for a fill.
Typically, a full set of lash extensions should take around 2-3 hours to complete. Fill appointments generally require 1-2 hours. Lash technicians have varying levels of experience, so some may work faster than others. However, if your lash technician is completing a full set in just one hour or a fill in thirty minutes, it may indicate that they are cutting corners. A skilled and conscientious lash technician will strive to lash as close to 100% of your natural lashes as possible while excluding anagen lashes to maintain lash health. The average person has approximately 200-300 lashes. Therefore, if your lash technician is accurately applying your extensions, it is impossible for them to finish a genuine full set in just one hour. They are likely applying extensions carelessly without proper isolation and are not lashing all possible lashes.
your lash extensions fall out in clumps.
ONE lash extension should be individually applied to ONE single natural lash. If you notice that your lash extensions are falling out with multiple natural lashes attached or if you find that one natural lash has multiple extensions, it is evident that damage is being caused to your natural lashes. When multiple lash extensions are attached to a single natural lash, the weight of the extensions is too much for your natural lash to bear. This excessive weight can lead to breakage and damage. If multiple natural lashes are glued to a single lash extension, it can cause long term damage to your natural lashes. When lashes in different phases of growth, such as one in the anagen (growth) phase and another in the telogen (resting) phase, are glued together, the shedding of the telogen lash can pull the growing anagen lash out of the follicle. Over time, this can result in permanent damage and create noticeable "gaps" in your natural lashes. It is crucial to ensure proper application and isolation of lash extensions to maintain the integrity and health of your natural lashes.
Your lash extensions don’t last.
With appropriate aftercare and application, lash extensions can last for 3 weeks or even longer. When your lash extensions naturally shed, you should see ONE natural lash attached to the fallen extension. However, if your lash extensions are falling out without a natural lash, it indicates premature loss. This can be attributed to various factors such as inadequate preparation of the natural lashes, incorrect placement of the extensions, or failure to follow proper aftercare instructions.
Your lash technician Doesn’t give you any aftercare instructions.
If your lash technician fails to provide you with any aftercare instructions, it should be considered a warning sign. As lash technicians, it is our duty to educate clients about the essential aspects of proper aftercare to maintain the health of their natural lashes. Neglecting proper lash care can lead to issues with retention and potentially increase the risk of infections.
Sadly, I have come across numerous instances where clients reported being advised by their lash technicians to avoid getting their lashes wet, which is completely false! It is crucial to debunk this misconception. Washing your lashes daily is essential for maintaining proper retention, ensuring cleanliness, and promoting lash health.
Your lash extensions look unnatural.
If your lash extensions appear excessively thick, heavy, or have a plastic-like appearance, it is likely an indication that your lash technician is using low-quality products. It is important to note that high-quality lash extensions should exhibit a dark appearance but feel light and fluffy. They should never impose a heavy sensation on your eyes. Your lashes should not all be the same length and they shouldn’t be too long. Eyelash extensions are customized to each individual. They come in different lengths, curls and thicknesses. Each set of eyelash extensions should be customized to suit the individual. An experienced lash technician with an artistic eye for design will guide you through the selection process and create a set of extensions that enhances and flatters your unique eye shape.
Your lash technician isn’t following sanitation protocols.
A reputable lash salon should prioritize cleanliness and hygiene. If you notice unclean tools, a lack of sanitation practices, or a generally unprofessional environment, it may be a red flag for the overall quality of the lash extension services.